Imogene Taylor is back with even more problems than in the first novel of this series. Imogene has spent the last few weeks in a cheap motel while the police search her house for evidence from the three murders that occurred there. She finds herself summoned to the parole office and she's been assigned a new parole officer. He threatens her and she knows that he would like nothing more than to send Imogene back to finish out her sentence in prison. Imogene finds herself being followed and the man following her tells her that she needs to show up at his pawn shop for a job. She goes and discovers that several parolees have been put together to pull off a crime. Imogene has no desire to return to prison and sets out to untangle the web that the person she labels the puppet master has put together. Soon, the people she cares the most about are in danger and she is willing to do anything to keep them safe. I enjoyed this second book about Imogene, but the book just seemed to stop, so I would like to assume that another installment of Imogene's story is coming.

"Imogene's Grand Fiasco" by David Putnam is a rollicking, darkly comedic crime novel that proves age is no barrier to adventure—or trouble. The story follows 75-year-old Imogene Taylor, a sharp-witted, no-nonsense grandmother who just wants to enjoy her Marlboros and peace. But when her new job at a pawn shop lands her in the middle of a dangerous criminal conspiracy, Imogene’s quiet retirement plans go up in smoke.

Imogene quickly finds herself caught between warring mobsters, corrupt cops, and a shadowy mastermind orchestrating a daring heist on the Bank of the West during the town’s Fourth of July parade. With her parole hanging in the balance and innocent lives at risk, Imogene must rely on her street smarts, prison-honed instincts, and a .380 pistol tucked in her purse to navigate the chaos. Adding to the mix is Ange, the voice in her head offering dubious advice, which only complicates matters further.

Putnam’s writing is fast-paced, witty, and full of unexpected twists, making "Imogene's Grand Fiasco" a page-turner from start to finish. Imogene is a refreshing and unforgettable protagonist—a tough-as-nails grandmother with a sharp tongue, a quick trigger finger, and a heart of gold. Her dry humour and resilience in the face of danger make her a character readers will root for, even as she finds herself in increasingly absurd and perilous situations.

The novel is a perfect blend of crime thriller and dark comedy, with a cast of eccentric characters and a plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The small-town setting, with its Fourth of July parade and simmering tensions, adds a layer of charm and tension to the story. As the stakes rise and the body count grows, Imogene’s determination to set things right becomes a race against time, culminating in a explosive finale that lives up to the book’s title.

"Imogene's Grand Fiasco" is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to take a stand—or to get caught up in a grand fiasco. With its mix of humour, action, and heart, this novel is a must-read for fans of quirky crime fiction and unconventional heroes. David Putnam delivers a story that is as entertaining as it is unpredictable, proving that sometimes, the most unlikely people can make the biggest difference.

Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

My first by this author, and I have to say it was OK. I'm not bowled over by it, but it was a way to spend a few hours.
There are so many things left to be cleared up with the writing. It was a bit untidy and frustrating at times.
I'm still trying to figure out why Ange was there. She didn't really add much to the story, and Thelma's back story was so bizarre that I didn't get it. Perhaps I'm missing the point - in which case, the story needed more clarity.
As for the ending, abrupt and a bit rushed, which makes me think there's more to come?

DNF

The story and concept was interesting, but the book itself definitely needed to be polished.
The amount of grammar issues prevented me from enjoying the story. I enjoyed the characters and Imogene’s personality.
Once this story gets a couple of edits and is polished to perfection, I think the potential for it to be a fun read is definitely there.